The Ledger

The publication began its journey on August 22, 1924, under the name Lakeland Evening Ledger. In 1927, it acquired its primary rival, the morning Lakeland Star-Telegram. By 1930, it became clear that Lakeland could only sustain one newspaper, leading Ledger Publishing Company to combine the two into a single morning edition called the Lakeland Ledger and Star-Telegram. In 1941, the Star-Telegram was removed from the title, and by 1967, the name was further simplified to just The Ledger.

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Baseball: McKeel sweeps but four quarterfinals series going to a deciding third game

1 day ago | theledger.com | Roy Fuoco

If the proponents of playing each round of the regional tournament the best two out of three wanted to add more drama to the postseason, then after the first two days of regional quarterfinals action, it’s missing accomplished. The quarterfinals series got underway for five Polk County teams, and only one team was able to close out its series. McKeel will get to rest up for next week’s regional semifinals action after sweeping Avon Park.
Bartow girls on track to repeat last year's magical season plus all regional tennis results

1 day ago | theledger.com | Roy Fuoco

BARTOW — Bartow returned its top four singles players from last season’s regional championship squad, so the Yellow Jackets set high goals. With just one match remaining from a return trip to the state tournament, it’s so far, so good for Bartow. Despite competing in a tougher district, Bartow repeated as district champions last week and advanced to the regional finals on Tuesday with a 4-1 victory over Strawberry Crest in the Class 4A, Region 2 semifinals.
Gallery: Bartow girls and Winter Haven boys in regional tennis action

1 day ago | theledger.com | Roy Fuoco

Roy FuocoBartow's Montserrat Vasconez hits a backhand during her No. 1 singles match against Strawberry Crest's Rajvi Patel. ROY FUOCO/THE LEDGERBartow's Montserrat Vasconez hits a forehand during her No. 2 singles match against Strawberry Crest's Srikruthi Neralla. ROY FUOCO/THE LEDGERBartow's Hailey Turturro hits a forehand during her No. 5 singles match against Strawberry Crest's Rease Marchese.
'Everybody's pope': In Polk County, Francis made vivid impression on Catholics and Protestants alike

2 days ago | theledger.com | Gary White

The Argentinian-born pontiff, the first Latin American pope, was praised for his focus on social justice and inclusivity. Francis's leadership was admired by Catholics and non-Catholics alike, with some calling him "everybody's Pope."The Pope's death prompted reflections on his legacy of compassion and his efforts to modernize the Catholic Church. Rachel Bulman of Lakeland had been trying to prepare herself for the news that arrived when she arose Monday morning: Pope Francis had died at age 88.
Mulberry looking to make another Final Four run in revamped regional tournament

3 days ago | theledger.com | Roy Fuoco

LAKELAND — Mulberry reached the state tournament last season for the first time in more than 60 years and are looking to make a repeat trip this season after losing just two key players from last year’s squad while picking up one of the best players in the county. It will be a different road for the Panthers this year as reclassification as changed the region and it will take twice as many wins to reach the final four.
Auburndale's Payoute wins 3 events as top girls athlete from Polk at 3A-7 district meet

3 days ago | theledger.com | Roy Fuoco

EAGLE LAKE — Polk County girls hurdlers compete in the very large shadow cast by the George Jenkins’ hurdlers, especially the nation’s No. 1 100-meter hurdler Chelsi Williams. Competing in the district track meet, however, Auburndale sophomore Wiseberly Payoute managed to escape that shadow.
Gallery: Action from the Class 3A, District 7 track and field meet

3 days ago | theledger.com | Roy Fuoco

Roy FuocoLake Wales junior Nayelie St. Fleur and Lake Wales senior Kansas Henry cross the finish line in a near dead heat in the 200 on Saturday at the Class 3A, District 7 track and field meet at Lake Region High School. ROY FUOCO/THE LEDGERLake Wales senior Dackjerlin Senior wins the 800 on Saturday at the Class 3A, District 7 track and field meet at Lake Region High School.
'Go to Bartow and kill': Fort Meade man dies in gunfight, injures 2 law officers, PCSO says

5 days ago | theledger.com | Sara-Megan Walsh

A Fort Meade man died in a shootout with Polk County deputies and Bartow police officers outside a Lowe's Home Improvement store. The incident began with a domestic dispute where the suspect, Wayne Volz, allegedly held his parents hostage. Two officers were injured in the exchange of gunfire, but are expected to recover. Volz was shot multiple times and died from his injuries. The incident is under investigation by the 10th Judicial Circuit Officer-Involved Deadly Incident Task Force.
Father gets life in prison for starvation death of his nearly 3-year-old daughter

5 days ago | theledger.com | Paul Nutcher

Regis Gregg Johnson, 60, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the starvation death of his 34-month-old daughter. The child, weighing only 9 pounds 5 ounces at death, was found in an inflatable pool in the family's Davenport home. Johnson's wife, Arhonda Tillman, was also charged but found incompetent to stand trial, and his brother, Frank Robinson, faces charges related to child neglect and failure to report abuse.
PCSO: 5 undocumented immigrants with gang ties arrested, charged in liquor theft ring

5 days ago | theledger.com | Sara-Megan Walsh

Five undocumented immigrants have been arrested in Central Florida, accused of running an organized retail theft ring targeting high-end liquor. The group is suspected of stealing over $30,000 worth of liquor from stores along the I-4 corridor, including a foiled attempt at a Lakeland Sam's Club. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is seeking racketeering charges against the suspects, who he says have ties to a Venezuelan gang.